Topsoil Coverage Calculator
Determine the ground coverage of a bulk topsoil delivery. If you have ordered 3, 5, or 10 cubic yards of soil, calculate exactly how many square feet or square meters of lawn or garden bed it will cover at your chosen spreading depth.
Quantity of bulk topsoil ordered or delivered in cubic yards
Thickness of the spread topsoil layer
Total square feet of yard or garden covered at the selected depth
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the number of cubic yards of soil you have or plan to order.
- Select the desired spreading depth (e.g., 2 inches for lawn leveling).
- View the total square footage and square meters of ground coverage.
- Compare with your yard measurements to ensure you have ordered sufficient material.
Formula & Calculation Methodology
Because 1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (which equals 27 × 12 = 324 square feet at 1 inch depth), dividing 324 by the layer depth gives the exact area coverage per cubic yard.
Worked Example
5 cubic yards of topsoil spread at 2 inches depth
10 cubic yards of topsoil spread at 1 inch depth (light overseeding topdress)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet does 1 cubic yard of topsoil cover?↓
One cubic yard of topsoil covers exactly 324 square feet at 1 inch depth, 162 square feet at 2 inches depth, 108 square feet at 3 inches depth, or 81 square feet at 4 inches depth.
How many wheelbarrow loads are in 1 cubic yard of topsoil?↓
A standard contractor wheelbarrow holds approximately 3 cubic feet of volume. Since a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, 1 cubic yard requires about 9 to 10 full wheelbarrow trips to move.
Does loose topsoil compact after rain?↓
Yes. Freshly dumped and raked topsoil settles by approximately 10% to 15% after being thoroughly watered or rolled with a lawn roller.
What is a limitation when covering existing established grass?↓
When topdressing an existing lawn, never apply more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch of topsoil at one time, as deeper layers will smother and kill the established turfgrass crowns.